The greatest wealth is health.
– Virgil

In an article just added to the Exchange website, “Why Anaphylaxis Preparedness Matters in Early Childcare Centers,”Alice Hoyt M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., Chief Allergist at the Hoyt Institute of Food Allergy, Chair of Code Ana, and Founding Partner of the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative, explains how important is is for early care and education practitioners to understand about children’s allergic reactions. She writes:

“A child’s first allergic reaction can happen anywhere—including in your care.

“In early childcare programs, severe food allergy reactions can catch even the most attentive caregivers off guard. Yet being prepared can make all the difference.

“As an allergist and food allergy educator, I work with early childhood educators who are passionate about the well-being of the children in their care but often haven’t had formal training in allergy recognition and emergency response. That’s understandable since, until recently, little guidance existed for early childhood programs. But the landscape is changing, and so is the urgency.”

Here are her recommendations:

1. “Establish an Anaphylaxis Response Plan

2. Educate staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis

3. Train staff to treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine

4. Stock undesignated epinephrine that can be used to treat any child

5. Join the Early Childhood Anaphylaxis Collaborative at www.ecacollaborative.com to receive access to resources and support and to help ensure you and your team are prepared in case of an allergic emergency.”

In addition to dealing with allergic reactions, administrators and educators must also face other health challenges such as lice, gluten free needs, concussions and more. To help with these needs, Exchange has created an Exchange Essentials article collection, Health and Safety First Aid Kit, which we’re now offering at a special price since it’s such an important issue.